Theme

The theme "Building a Community of Scholars and Promoting Excellence" and structure of the Office for Minority Student Education was built around R.S. Weiss's Provisions for Social Relations (1974).

Ethnic and Peer Attachment: A sense of security and comfort that can be gained by affiliating with ethnic others.

• Freshman Summer Institute
• EXCEL Retreat
• Conferences (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers; National Society of Black Engineers, etc.)
• Minority Alumni Gatherings

Social Integration: An affiliation with other individuals within the college environment who have common interests and attitudes.

• Encourage students to participate in summer research programs, student government and campus life.

Worth and Competence: Feelings of being academically and socially competent and valued as a member of the campus community.  Worth and Competence affects students' level of motivation and provides them a sense of purpose.

• Celebration of Excellence Banquet
• Public acknowledgment of outstanding academic achievement, research, etc.

Reliable Alliances: Knowing that one's peers, faculty members, and administrators provide assistance and advocacy.  Reliable alliances play an important role in reducing students' fears pertaining to college and feelings of isolation.

• Introduction of key administrators, faculty, graduate teaching assistants, upperclassmen during the Freshman Summer Institute
• Introduction of campus services and resources via workshops, informal lunches, etc.

Guidance: Students receive guidance from the faculty and administrators in the form of advising, mentoring, challenging, and support.

• One-on-one meetings with the MSE Director to discuss progress, research, graduate school plans, personal concerns, etc.
• Academic Excellence Workshops

Leadership Opportunities: Students are provided with opportunities to serve as peer mentors or student leaders.

• Opportunities to serve as Freshman Summer Institute counselors, upperclass mentors
• Leadership in student organization